Are illegal migrants on rise in Kolkata and Bengal?

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Has there been a steady influx of illegal migrants from across the international border into border areas of Bengal and Kolkata?

According to central intelligence agencies, there has been a massive influx of illegal immigrants from across the border over the last one year.

They have cut trees to forcefully open up land in border and jungle areas and have started to settle down. A large number of illegal immigrants have arrived in Kolkata and many believe that they have settled down on the streets and footpaths.

According to several NGOs working with the street children and vagrants, the number of illegal settlers and homeless taking shelter on Kolkata streets have doubled in the last one year. ``Tea stalls have sprung up on footpaths all over the city. Police and KMC are not in a position to evict them,'' said a senior police officer.